Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Course

2130 - Bachelor of Arts (Professional Communication) and Bachelor of Science

This course entry should be read in conjunction with information provided in the 'Faculty information' section of this Handbook by the Faculty of Arts

Managing faculty	Arts
Abbreviated title	BA(ProfComn)/BSc
Total credit points required	192
Standard duration of study (years)	4 years FT, 8 years PT
Study mode and location	On-campus (Gippsland) Off-campus (Gippsland) Multi-modal (Gippsland)
Admission, fee and application details	http://www.monash.edu/study/coursefinder/course/2130
Contact details	http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/current/coursework/contact_us/

Notes

Students have a maximum of 10 years to complete this course.
Students may select arts units from any campus, but should be aware of the teaching location as this may require travel to another campus. Students may also select units offered in off-campus mode.

Description

There is an increasing need for scientists to be able to communicate their work and its importance to colleagues in other rapidly diverging fields and to grant-awarding bodies, as well as to industry and the community in general. There is also a need for people with specialised and flexible communication skills to make science accessible to the general public.

Objectives

This double degree is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and understanding of the role of science and communication in society.

Refer to the Bachelor of Arts (Professional Communication) objectives at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/courses/1708.html and Bachelor of Science objectives at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/courses/0050.html.

Structure

This course consists of 96 points of study in the arts (professional communication) component and 96 points in the science component.

Requirements

Arts (professional communications) component

Students complete:

(a.) a communications or public relations major (48 points)

(b.) an arts minor (24 points)

(c.) a further 24 points in arts, including 12 points at first year level.

For details of arts majors and available minors refer to 'Areas of study'

By combining some of the core arts requirements, students can complete a double major in two different arts disciplines. For details, contact the Faculty of Arts.

Science component

Students complete:

(a.) two 6-point science core units (12 points):

SCI2010 (The practice and application of science)
one of SCI1020 (Introduction to statistical reasoning), STA1010 (Statistical methods for science), MTH1020 Analysis of change or MTH1030 Techniques for modelling.

(b.) a science major sequence (excluding computing) (48 points)

(c.) a science minor sequence (24 points)

(d.) at least one first-year-level unit from the following groups - physical processes, life processes, earth process (this unit is to be drawn from a different group from those which include the two chosen science sequences above) (6 points)

(e.) additional electives within the Faculty of Science to complete the 96 points required.

For details of science majors and minors refer to 'Areas of study'.

Areas of Study

Core arts major

One of:

Available arts minors

Note: Philosophy is available by off-campus learning only.

Science studies

For details on science disciplines, refer to 'Science areas of study and sequences - Gippsland' in the Faculty of Science section of this Handbook at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/undergrad/sci-aos-gippsland.html.

Progression to further studies

Students cannot undertake an honours program from the Bachelor of Arts (Professional Communication) until they have satisfied the same requirements detailed under 'Alternative exit/s'.

Students may apply for admission to an honours program in science, following the completion of an approved combination of at least 144 points of units including all of the science requirements for the double degree course. Students who are considering doing honours in science prior to completing the double degree should consult with the Faculty of Science regarding their unit selection prior to re-enrolling for level three.

Alternative exit(s)

Students cannot graduate from the Bachelor of Arts (Professional Communication) until they have satisfied the requirements for that award and successfully completed studies to the value of 144 points in the relevant component. Students are permitted to count up to 48 points of the other faculty's component towards these 144 points. To meet Bachelor of Arts (Professional Communication) requirements students must also complete at least 36 points at third-year level.

Students who wish to graduate with a Bachelor of Science prior to the completion of the double degree course must have completed at least 144 points of studies, including all of the science requirements for the double degree course.

Award(s)

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Arts (Professional Communication)